Potential Patriots: A look at safety

Hereís a look at three safeties that could end up being selected by the Patriots in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Hereís a look at three safeties that could end up being selected by the Patriots in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Calvin Pryor

HT: 5-11 WT: 207

School: Louisville Year: Junior

Projection: 1

Skinny: Pryor will bring an intimidating presence to whatever team drafts him. He is a hard-hitting safety with good vision and ball skills. Heís better in a zone coverage and lack of speed is a concern when matched up man-to-man. Pryor is expected to be the second safety drafted after Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and thereís a very real possibility that heís not there when the Patriots pick at No. 29. He would give the Pats a much-needed presence at safety and would start alongside Devin McCourty from day one.

Deone Bucannon

HT: 6-1 WT: 211

School: Washington State Year: Senior

Projection: 2

Skinny: Bucannon is the hardest-hitting safety in this yearís NFL Draft and would fill an immediate need in the Patriotsí secondary. A high-character player, Bucannon was named a captain at Washington State for three seasons. He also played on the kickoff and punt coverage teams, leading his team with seven special-team tackles. At times, Bucannon lacks discipline on the field and can be overaggressive on tackles. He would, however, be a perfect fit for the Patriots, who might have to either trade down in the first or trade up in the second round to get him.

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Brock Vereen

HT: 6-0 WT: 199

School: Minnesota Year: Senior

Projection: 4-5

Skinny: Shane Vereenís younger brother, Brock Vereen is a solid athlete and versatile defensive back. Like his older brother, Brock brings a high IQ to the football field. He enters the NFL Draft as a free safety, but also spent time at corner in Minnesota. He has NFL speed, but will need to become a better tackler in the NFL. He projects as a sub-package defender and special team player early on. If the Patriots donít go after a safety in the first three rounds, Brock could join his older brother in Foxboro.